Taylor Swift Lyrics About Travel: Destinations Inspired by Her Music

Unless you’ve been completely disconnected, you’re aware of the phenomenon that is Taylormania worldwide. Whether you’re a dedicated fan or not, you have to admire Miss Swift’s incredible ability to market, rebrand, perform, and consistently release a vast body of work.

As a passionate Swiftie myself, especially with the arrival of The Tortured Poets Department era, I often find myself drifting into thoughts of various travel destinations as I sing along to her songs. The way she weaves specific places and geographical references into her narratives is part of what makes her songwriting so evocative. Exploring taylor swift lyrics about traveling can be a unique way to inspire your next adventure or simply revisit cherished memories of places you’ve been.

So, let’s explore some of the places we can travel to – whether literally or figuratively – inspired by the rich tapestry of Taylor Swift’s lyrics.

Major Destinations Explicitly Named in Her Lyrics

Some locations are so central to her songs, they almost become characters themselves. These are the places most immediately brought to mind by her discography.

New York City

Taylor has made no secret of her profound connection with New York City. The bustling energy and iconic streets of NYC were the clear focus and the opening track of her blockbuster pop album, 1989.

Welcome to New York (1989)

She paints a vivid picture of the city’s atmosphere:

Walkin’ through a crowd, the village is aglow
Kaleidoscope of loud heartbeats under coats

The feeling of being swept up in the vibrant life of places like Greenwich Village is palpable. Many listeners can relate this to their own experiences exploring the city, perhaps even finding a moment of rest on a park bench after a long day of sightseeing, just as the original writer recalls doing.

Views of the bridge in New York CityHanging out in the Village in New YorkWashington Square Park in New York

The song captures the city’s intoxicating allure:

The lights are so bright, but they never blind me, me
Welcome to New York, it’s been waitin’ for you

Times Square by night, the anticipation of seeing a Broadway musical – these are classic New York experiences echoed in the song’s optimistic embrace of the city.

Musical posters in New YorkTimes Square at night, a bright New York scene

Cornelia Street (Lover)

This song offers a more intimate, yet equally powerful, connection to a specific New York location:

And baby, I get mystified by how this city screams your name
And baby, I’m so terrified of if you ever walk away
I’d never walk Cornelia Street again.

Looking down from a high vantage point in New York CityHazy view looking out over New York City

Even without walking the exact street, the sentiment of having a place inextricably tied to a relationship resonates, especially for anyone who has explored the diverse neighborhoods of Manhattan.

England

Swift’s affection for England is also clear in her songwriting, notably fueled by relationships.

London Boy (Lover)

This track is an ode to falling for someone from across the pond and embracing their world:

You know I love a London boy
I enjoy walking Camden Market in the afternoon

Camden Market, high tea, pubs, and watching rugby – the lyrics paint a picture of quintessential London life. The song evokes memories for anyone who’s explored the city’s markets or spent time in its pubs.

Camden Market scene in LondonTraditional British pub sceneAnother view inside a London pub

So Long, London (The Tortured Poet’s Department)

This more recent track offers a poignant farewell, reflecting on a significant period spent in the city:

So long, London, had a good run
A moment of warm sun, but I’m not the one

The shift in tone highlights how deeply places can be connected to personal experiences, even seemingly idyllic ones like enjoying parks or historic buildings.

People enjoying a park on a sunny day in LondonThe Orangery at Kensington Palace, London

Paris, France

The city of light gets a dreamy mention, symbolizing escapism and romance.

Paris! (Midnights)

This song conjures images of spontaneous romance in the most romantic city:

Let the only flashing lights be the tower at midnight
In my mind, we drew a map on your bedroom ceiling
No, I didn’t see the news, ‘Cause we were somewhere else
In an alleyway, drinking champagne

‘Cause we were in Paris

These lyrics immediately bring to mind the iconic Eiffel Tower light show and the simple pleasure of enjoying champagne in a hidden corner of the city. It speaks to the feeling of being completely absorbed in a moment, making any location feel like Paris. Recalling a first trip overseas, standing under the sparkling Eiffel Tower or exploring areas near Moulin Rouge, resonates strongly with this song’s vibe.

The Eiffel Tower in Paris, FranceSide street or alleyway in Paris

California

Perhaps the most frequently referenced state in her lyrics, California, particularly the Los Angeles area, serves as a backdrop for themes of ambition, fame, and identity. Many artists reference the Golden State, but Taylor has her own specific takes.

Lyrical references abound across her albums, showcasing different facets of the California experience:

• The Lucky One: New to town with a made up name in the angels’ city chasing fortune and fame (referencing LA)
• White Horse: This ain’t Hollywood, this is small town (contrasting her roots with LA glamour)
• Clara Bow: No one in my small town thought I’d meet these suits in L.A. (the journey to the industry)
• I Bet You Think About Me: You grew up in a silver spoon gated community, glamorous, shiny, bright Beverly Hills (critique of privileged LA life)
• The Very First Night: But don’t forget about the night out in L.A. (recalling specific moments)
• Gorgeous: Whiskey on ice, Sunset and Vine (mentioning famous Hollywood intersection)
• ‘Tis The Damn Season: So I’ll go back to L.A. and the so-called friends who’ll write books about me if I ever make it (life away from home)
• London Boy: I love my hometown as much as Motown, I love SoCal (mentioning Southern California)
• Invisible String: Bad was the blood of the song in the cab on your first trip to L.A. (a specific memory tied to a place)
• When Emma Falls in Love: Well, she’s so New York when she’s in L.A. (contrasting coastal identities)

These various lyrical mentions highlight different parts of the LA experience, from the pursuit of fame to specific street corners. Visiting places like Hollywood Boulevard or Venice Beach brings these lyrical references to life.

Coastal view, possibly Southern CaliforniaPalm trees and California sunshineHollywood Boulevard star on the Walk of FameNights scene at Venice Beach, California

Destinations Featured in Music Videos or Strongly Associated Songs

Sometimes, the visual elements of a song or its underlying story connect it strongly to a place, even if the place isn’t named in the lyrics themselves.

Rhode Island and Grand Estates (referencing Blank Space)

The lavish and dramatic music video for “Blank Space” was filmed at notable mansions in the USA. One key location was Oheka Castle in Huntington, New York, and another was set against backdrops reminiscent of grand estates like her own Holiday House property in Rhode Island, which is the subject of her folklore song “The Last Great American Dynasty.”

Screaming, crying, perfect storms
I can make all the tables turn
Rose garden filled with thorns

The visuals evoke images of sprawling properties and dramatic landscapes. While visiting the exact filming locations might be difficult, it inspires thoughts of other magnificent properties around the world, like the Palace of Versailles or Hearst Castle in California. Hearst Castle, located a few hours north of LA, is a fantastic tourist destination with its own artistic connections, like Lady Gaga filming a music video there. This song connects the drama of the lyrics to the grandeur of these estates.

Grand facade of Hearst Castle in CaliforniaBeautiful pool and architecture at Hearst CastleRoman pool at Hearst Castle, an opulent sight

Botswana & South Africa (Wildest Dreams)

The stunning music video for “Wildest Dreams” transported viewers to the breathtaking landscapes of Africa, specifically featuring locations in Botswana and South Africa.

Say you’ll remember me, standing in a nice dress
Staring at the sunset, babe, red lips and rosy cheeks
Say you’ll see me again, even if it’s just in your wildest dreams

While the lyrics themselves are about a fleeting, cinematic romance, the video visually ties the song to African safaris and incredible wildlife. Taylor Swift famously donated the proceeds from the video to the African Parks Foundation of America, further cementing the connection. For many, this video serves as a powerful visual inspiration for visiting the African continent, even if the closest they’ve come is a trip to the zoo. The wildlife shots are truly stunning and memorable.

Elephants walking in an African landscape, inspired by Wildest Dreams MV

Las Vegas (Karma)

The upbeat track “Karma” from Midnights includes a specific city reference in one version of the lyrics.

Flexing like a Vegas acrobat
Me and karma vibe like that

While the edited version specifically names Vegas, even without it, the song’s energetic, slightly flamboyant energy, especially coupled with the fun music video featuring Ice Spice, aligns well with the vibrant, show-stopping nature of Las Vegas. Seeing real acrobats in Vegas shows is an experience that can easily be linked to this lyrical image.

Las Vegas street scene at nightAnother vibrant night view of Las VegasIconic view of the Las Vegas Strip

French Riviera (The Man)

“The Man” includes a reference to the glamorous French Riviera, symbolizing a life of privilege and ease often afforded to men in the spotlight.

And they would toast to me, oh let the players play
I’d be just like Leo, in Saint-Tropez

The mention of Leonardo DiCaprio in Saint-Tropez conjures images of yachts, exclusive parties, and the luxurious lifestyle associated with towns like Nice, Cannes, and Monaco along the French Riviera. While this might remain a dream destination for many, the lyric paints a vivid picture of this opulent region.

Boats docked in a harbor on the French RivieraScenic view of the French Riviera coast

New Zealand (Out of the Woods)

The breathtaking music video for “Out of the Woods” was primarily filmed on the South Island of New Zealand.

The dramatic landscapes of New Zealand, particularly around Queenstown, provided the perfect visual metaphor for the song’s themes of vulnerability and overcoming challenges. Anyone who has visited this stunning corner of the world, known for its majestic mountains, lakes, and forests, would instantly understand why it was chosen to bring the song’s visuals to life.

Dramatic mountain landscape on the South Island of New ZealandBeautiful lake and mountain scenery in New ZealandForest scene in New Zealand, evoking the Out of the Woods themeAnother striking New Zealand landscape

Off-the-Beaten-Path Lyric References

For the dedicated Swifties and travel enthusiasts, some lyrics offer more subtle or personal nods to various locations, providing inspiration beyond the major tourist hubs.

Pennsylvania

Taylor’s home state gets a mention, anchoring her roots.

Seven (Folklore)

But I, I was high in the sky
With Pennsylvania under me
Are there still beautiful things?

This lyric, reflecting on childhood and looking down on Pennsylvania from above, evokes images of the state’s diverse landscapes, from urban areas to classic small towns like Allentown, which the original writer briefly visited. It’s a reminder that even familiar places can hold deep personal meaning.

Classic American small town scene in PennsylvaniaAnother street view in an Allentown, Pennsylvania style town

South Carolina

A song written for a film adaptation transports listeners to the unique environment of the Southern marshes.

Carolina (Music Soundtrack)

And there are places I will never ever go and things that only Carolina will ever know

Written for the film ‘Where the Crawdads Sing,’ this song perfectly captures the atmosphere of the saltwater marshes of South Carolina. It makes the listener feel the sense of place described in the book and depicted in the film, potentially inspiring visits or even niche hobbies like birdwatching, which is prominent in the story.

Marshland landscape, evocative of South Carolina

The English Lake District

Folklore and evermore often delve into rich, descriptive settings.

The Lakes (Folklore)

Take me to the Lakes where all the poets went to die
Those Windermere peaks look like the perfect place to cry

This lyric references the famous Lake District in England, a region celebrated for its stunning natural beauty and its historical connection to Romantic poets like Wordsworth. It brings to mind the serene yet dramatic landscapes of Cumbria and evokes the feeling of exploring peaks and valleys, whether in the Lake District itself or similar regions like Scotland or Wales.

Horses grazing in a field in the English countryside, possibly the Lake DistrictA creek flowing through a rural landscape, suggesting the Lakes District

Florida

A recent addition to her geographical references comes from The Tortured Poets Department.

Florida!!! (The Tortured Poets Department)

Love left me like this and I don’t want to exist
So take me to Florida

This collaboration with Florence + The Machine immediately sparked interest in Florida as a destination connected to seeking escape or a fresh start. It adds the Sunshine State to the list of places explicitly mentioned in Taylor’s discography.

Palm trees and blue sky, a scene from Florida

Nashville, Tennessee

While her global fame took her to New York and beyond, Taylor’s roots in country music are tied to Nashville.

Invisible String (Folklore)

Green was the color of the grass where I used to read at Centennial Park

Centennial Park in Nashville is a specific nod to her time spent there. Nashville itself is a pilgrimage site for music lovers, with attractions like Graceland (though technically in Memphis) and Dollywood (Pigeon Forge). The mention of Centennial Park solidifies Nashville as a place holding personal history within her lyrics.

Parthenon replica in Centennial Park, Nashville, Tennessee

Cottage Living Vibes (Ivy / Cardigan / Willow)

While not naming specific places, the sister albums folklore and evermore cultivate a strong aesthetic tied to nature, history, and cozy, secluded living.

Oh, I can’t, stop you putting roots in my dreamland
My house of stone, your ivy grows
And now I’m covered in you (from “Ivy”)

These songs evoke images of quiet cabins, forests, and winding rivers – a kind of cottagecore dreamscape. They inspire thoughts of escaping to a secluded spot in the woods during winter, whether it’s exploring ancient forests like Muir Woods or Mariposa Grove in California, or simply staying in a charming cottage bed and breakfast. This entire era of her music serves as a powerful, albeit non-specific, travel inspiration for those seeking tranquility and nature.

Giant redwood trees in Muir Woods, CaliforniaMassive trees in Mariposa Grove, Yosemite, CaliforniaCozy cottage exterior, perfect for a winter getaway

Paris Cafes (Begin Again)

Returning to Paris, a specific moment in a café is immortalized.

Begin Again (Red)

And on a Wednesday, in a Cafe, I watched it begin again

The music video for this song was filmed in various locations around Paris, including a charming café. This visual connection means that whenever the lyric is heard, the mind immediately pictures a Parisian café scene – a perfect setting for a fresh start or a moment of simple observation. It highlights how MVs can add a layer of geographical association to the lyrics.

People sitting outside a cafe in a charming Paris squareView of the Louvre Pyramid in Paris

Thinking about the connection between music and travel reveals just how transportive lyrics can be, whether they name a place directly or create a feeling strongly associated with a type of location. For those who love both Taylor Swift and exploring the world, her extensive catalog offers a unique soundtrack and a surprising guide to destinations near and far. These taylor swift lyrics about traveling continue to inspire wanderlust in her millions of listeners.

Here is a quick list of additional NYC references from Taylor Swift’s songs:

• All Too Well: We’re singing in the car, getting lost Upstate
• Holy Ground: Back to a first-glance feeling on New York time
• The Lucky One: Chose the Rose Garden over Madison Square
• Come Back… Be Here: I guess you’re in New York today
• Delicate: Dive bar on the East Side, where you at? Third floor on the West Side, me and you
• All Too Well (10 Minute Version): From when your Brooklyn broke my skin and bones
• False God: I’m New York City, I still do it for you, babe, You’re the West Village, you still do it for me, babe
• Daylight: Back and forth from New York, sneaking in your bed
• Hoax: You know I left a part of me back in New York
• Coney Island: I’m sitting on a bench in Coney Island wondering, where did my baby go?
• Maroon: And I chose you, the one I was dancing with in New York

From iconic cityscapes to secluded natural retreats, Taylor Swift’s lyrics provide a rich source of travel inspiration for Swifties everywhere.